Cargo delivery, filming, traffic control - what drones may be allowed to do in Moscow

The Ministry of Economic Development proposes to make Moscow a flagship for the development of unmanned aircraft systems

The Ministry of Economic Development proposes to make Moscow a flagship for the development of unmanned aircraft systems and introduce a special experimental legal regime for the use of drones in the city. It will be valid for three years.

Drones will deliver goods weighing from 0.1 to 100 kg and perform a number of other tasks for residents and guests of the capital

According to the draft government decree on the federal portal of draft regulatory legal acts for public discussion, the regime will operate with exceptions. The Third Transport Ring, specially protected areas, especially important state facilities and flight restriction zones will still be prohibited.

Otherwise, drones will have carte blanche. It is proposed to involve them in a number of works.

Drones will be able to engage in aviation and chemical work. For example, land reclamation, application of liquid agrochemicals and bulk substances, detoxification of closed water bodies and aerial distribution of biological objects

Aerial photography will also be allowed: from aerial photography to television and film projects. Drones will be able to be involved in broadcasting radio and television programs and transmitting information via a loudspeaker.

Aerovisual flights will be free within the EPR zone for aerial surveillance, traffic control, object tracking, pipeline and power line patrolling.

Drones can also be used to track mass events.

Prior to this initiative, the Cabinet launched an experimental legal regime for testing drones at sites in the Moscow and Tver regions.

It helps to see in practice how drones work in the same space as manned aircraft.